Sunrise Visitor Center
Sunrise Visitor Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Tourist center located on the eastern side of Mount Rainier National Park.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
300 reviews
Excellent
199
Very good
80
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
1
Sarah R
Kent, WA1,040 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
We had never visited the Sunrise area before. It was amazing. We had perfect weather! Be sure to stop at the lookout (in the middle of a hairpin turn). We took many photos. We continued up to Sunrise visitor center, it was closed due to covid. A ranger was set up outside the building to answer questions. The wild flowers were starting to bloom. The restrooms were open. The flush toilets and running water were found in a small building near the visitor center.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin A
4 contributions
Jul 2023
The Sunrise Visitor Center is a good place to see more about Mount Rainier. There is a snack bar that has lots of souvenirs and food on the site. It is popular so parking may be an issue. This center is only one of a few centers you can visit in the park. There is an entry fee to the park and may be long lines at the gate along with a pretty long drive to get there, but the views are definitely worth it. The center is only open until 5:00 p.m. There are a few hiking trails right at the center. The main trail is steep (to me) with switchbacks to make it less so. Apparently there is a gorgeous view from the top (which I did not see). Time spent there depends on what you choose to do. Mount Rainier is definitely a place to see if you like the national parks and have time for the drive there and back.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Downs, IL10 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail on a clear day is spectacular. Go all the way to the lookout. Wear sunscreen and don’t hike back the same way. You can split off at Frozen Lake and see other views on the way down. Also, there’s a vista parking lot near Sunrise with a great view of Mt. Rainier. Don’t bother. Views on the hike can’t be beat.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,120 contributions
Aug 2021
From the Sunrise Visitor Center, we did the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail which was our 2nd favorite hike in Mount Rainier. Our favorite hike was the Skyline Trail. We stayed in Packwood so the Sunrise area was around 1.5 hours from us. On the day we did the Mount Fremont hike (Wednesday 8/4), we got to the parking lot at 7:20 am and had no issues finding parking. By the time we got back to the car at 11:30 am, the parking was full and people were waiting for spots.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg
Wenatchee, WA9 contributions
Aug 2020
Amazing hikes of all varieties. Many travel up the surrounding mountains for a close up look at the majestic Mt. Rainer. The trails slope through sub-alpine meadows, filled with birds, marmots, and the occasional mountain goat. Some parts of the trail are covered in snow (early August) so be careful.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innsbruck30
Pennsylvanians Who Love The Alps14 contributions
Sep 2019
My wife and I drove to Sunrise and immediately saw a doe walking next to the parking lot. The shop was fun and the food was good, but the thing was the superb views. Mt. Rainier was perfect.. We took a couple short walks and really enjoyed ourselves.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve5863
Avon, OH12,812 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
While the Sunrise Visitor Center is an interesting rustic log building, this review is more about the whole experience of visiting the Sunrise area of the park which, at 6,400 feet (1,950m), is highest point in the park that one can drive to and offers great views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers, including the Emmons Glacier, the largest in the contiguous United States, excellent hiking opportunities and some nice vistas on the way up.
Due to it elevation, the 15 mile (24.2k) road to Sunrise, which departs from Hwy 410 on the eastern side of the park, is only open weather permitting from late June / early July to late September / early October and the Visitor Center is open daily but only from early July to early September. There are two good reasons to visit Sunrise in the morning; the first is that this is the east side of Mount Rainier which is nicely light in the morning but becomes backlight as the day progresses and the best views are lost. The second reason for a morning visit is that when the road to Sunrise is open, it is a very popular destination and the parking lot fills up quickly; arriving by 10am or so on weekends and during the height of the summer season is recommended.
The road to Sunrise climbs steadily from Hwy 410 to the parking area through a number of switchbacks with opportunities to spot wildlife (we saw elk and a bear) and columnar andesite formations from the mountain’s volcanic origins. However, the best part of the drive is the pullout at Sunrise Point which is located at the last switchback before reaching Sunrise. One cannot miss the large pullout in the interior of the switchback perched on the crest of a ridge that provides panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes in all directions.
At Sunrise, besides the log blockhouse visitor center, there is a day lodge with restrooms, a restaurant and a good gift and book store. Next to the visitor center there is a large picnic area with table dispersed amongst the trees. The visitor facilities at Sunrise are actually better than those at Paradise and, while busy, they are not completely overwhelmed as they can often be at Paradise.
Of course the primary reason to come to Sunrise is to enjoy the wildflower meadows and the views of the mountains and glaciers and the best way to do this is from one of the many trails. While there are a number of lengthy trails, made more strenuous from the altitude, there are a number of easier worthwhile trails including the Sunrise Nature Trail, Emmons Vista, Frozen Lake Loop and the Shadow Lake Loop. We particularly liked the Emmons Vista combined with the eastern portion of the Sunrise Ridge Trail for easy 2.2 mile (3.5k) out and back roundtrip hike that runs nearly level just below a ridgeline on the south side rewarding one with wildflowers in the summer and great views of the White River about 2,000 feet (610m) below, amazing views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier.
Due to it elevation, the 15 mile (24.2k) road to Sunrise, which departs from Hwy 410 on the eastern side of the park, is only open weather permitting from late June / early July to late September / early October and the Visitor Center is open daily but only from early July to early September. There are two good reasons to visit Sunrise in the morning; the first is that this is the east side of Mount Rainier which is nicely light in the morning but becomes backlight as the day progresses and the best views are lost. The second reason for a morning visit is that when the road to Sunrise is open, it is a very popular destination and the parking lot fills up quickly; arriving by 10am or so on weekends and during the height of the summer season is recommended.
The road to Sunrise climbs steadily from Hwy 410 to the parking area through a number of switchbacks with opportunities to spot wildlife (we saw elk and a bear) and columnar andesite formations from the mountain’s volcanic origins. However, the best part of the drive is the pullout at Sunrise Point which is located at the last switchback before reaching Sunrise. One cannot miss the large pullout in the interior of the switchback perched on the crest of a ridge that provides panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes in all directions.
At Sunrise, besides the log blockhouse visitor center, there is a day lodge with restrooms, a restaurant and a good gift and book store. Next to the visitor center there is a large picnic area with table dispersed amongst the trees. The visitor facilities at Sunrise are actually better than those at Paradise and, while busy, they are not completely overwhelmed as they can often be at Paradise.
Of course the primary reason to come to Sunrise is to enjoy the wildflower meadows and the views of the mountains and glaciers and the best way to do this is from one of the many trails. While there are a number of lengthy trails, made more strenuous from the altitude, there are a number of easier worthwhile trails including the Sunrise Nature Trail, Emmons Vista, Frozen Lake Loop and the Shadow Lake Loop. We particularly liked the Emmons Vista combined with the eastern portion of the Sunrise Ridge Trail for easy 2.2 mile (3.5k) out and back roundtrip hike that runs nearly level just below a ridgeline on the south side rewarding one with wildflowers in the summer and great views of the White River about 2,000 feet (610m) below, amazing views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier.
Written January 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
otteergirl
seattle2 contributions
My son and I live in Seattle, Washington. I have a view of MT. Rainer from my home and longed to see it up close again. We needed a break from city life so we headed to Mount Rainer National Park to camp. At the last minute we decided to go up to see the Sunrise Visitor Center, i'm so glad we did! The drive up to Sunrise is easy, the roads are fine. We stopped at a few amazing viewpoints then headed up to the top, 6100 feet. There was still some snow left over from plowing the lots, after oogling the mountain we threw a few snowballs at each other then went in for dinner at the cafe/gift shop. Had some tasty burgers at this clean well run place then headed back down the mountain to find a camp spot . The prices are a tad bit higher in the cafe because of the remote location but there is a full menu of favorite cafe items. Lovely evening, As mentioned earlier, the pictures cannot do justice to the beauty of this area!
If you need a quick day trip, this is it. Pack a picnic lunch, go early in the day, budget in for gas and the 15.00 entry fee to get into the area leading to Sunrise (worth every penny as the area is kept priistine and safe with these funds collected) and have yourself a wonderful afternoon. Dont forget hats and sunscreen! The visitor center is free but closes at 5:00PM so make sure you budget time for that. We found the gas prices cheaper in Enumclaw than in Seattle, so feel free to gas up there on your way up, you do want to enter the park with a full tank of gas.
If you need a quick day trip, this is it. Pack a picnic lunch, go early in the day, budget in for gas and the 15.00 entry fee to get into the area leading to Sunrise (worth every penny as the area is kept priistine and safe with these funds collected) and have yourself a wonderful afternoon. Dont forget hats and sunscreen! The visitor center is free but closes at 5:00PM so make sure you budget time for that. We found the gas prices cheaper in Enumclaw than in Seattle, so feel free to gas up there on your way up, you do want to enter the park with a full tank of gas.
Written July 21, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnrFan
OK51 contributions
My husband and I visited Mt. Rainier August 06'. We drove up to Sunrise and enjoyed the inspiring scenery. If you can't hike, it's worth the drive anyway. You can enjoy tremendous viewpoints accessible by car. If you can hike, do it. We chose the Burroughs trail due to limited time. We went at a leisurely pace and took several stops along the way to soak in the beauty. Glacier View Point was amazing. We stayed there for about 40 minutes and had it all to ourselves. We took that time to enjoy the beauty and praise God for His majesty and creativity. Our only regret is that we did not spend more time at Mt. Rainier during our vacation.
Written August 28, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ericka98125
Seattle, WA38 contributions
Aug 2010
This is the highest point on Mount Rainier that you can drive to in a car. You don't even have to leave the parking lot to get magnificent views. There are plenty of easy, short trails for families with young children or for those who don't want a long hike. If you plan on taking the longer trails (like Burrough's Mountain), be warned. There is much snow in summer and 2011 was an exceptional year for late snow. Talk with rangers before heading out on backcountry trails as there will be steep snow fields requiring ice axes in some areas. Only the experienced hiker should go. Inexperienced and unprepared hikers should stay on the lower trails. Also, do stay on the marked trails to avoid trampling the delicate alpine meadows.
Written July 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, my family will be visiting the Sunrise visitor center and hiking a trail or two on a Sunday in July. We aren't able to make it until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I'm reading that the parking lot there fills up fast and it can be difficult to find a parking spot. Is there a better time in the day to go? If we'd wait until closer to 3 would it start clearing out a little more? Would it be possible for us just to wait in the car if the lot is full until a spot becomes available or would that mean possibly waiting a very long time? Hate to come all that distance and have to be turned away, especially with kids...
Written April 3, 2019
Not sure, we were there in the fall mid week. It was a beautiful morning for us. We got there right when it opened. By 1pm, after walking the trails, the parking lot was full. However, if you succeed finding a spot and plan to hike, especially with kids, bring lots of water on the trail to stay hydrated. Check park times too, usually closes by sunset, so may not be enough time to do much after travelling all that way. Check the other park entrance at Longmire? if that accomodates the parking and time schedule.
Written April 7, 2019
What time the road will open to go up to Sunrise Visitor Center? Plan to go on 10/28/2017. Thank you!
Written October 23, 2017
It's best to check the NPS Rainier website for road closure and weather updates. Good luck!
Written October 26, 2017
Does the road close in the winter? Can I hike here in November?
Written October 26, 2015
What is the road like? Thinking of going in a sports car with weather so nice..thanks
Written July 30, 2015
Is there a Scenic Drive? What I'm reading about is mostly hiking.
Written April 24, 2015
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